The funds will be directed toward the Annual Global Health Conference. The grant will specifically be used to support student activities from HGHC member universities and colleges, paying their way to attend and present posters at the Oct. 12 conference.

The Heartland Global Health Consortium was developed in 2007 to foster collaboration among Iowa colleges and universities who offer international learning experiences for their students. Members include Central College, Des Moines University, Drake University, Iowa State University, Mercy College of Health Sciences, Simpson College, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa. The intent of this collaboration is to explore opportunities for sharing information and resources in order to expand educational, research and service opportunities for students and faculty.

“This very generous grant from Pioneer will allow the Heartland Global Health Consortium to invite more than 100 students from eight different Iowa universities,” said Yogesh Shah, M.D., associate dean of global health. “This grant and conference will help broaden a few minds by engaging the students in global public health issues early on in their career.”

Pioneer makes contributions to community-based organizations on behalf of the business and employees. Consideration for community outreach grants are given to communities where Pioneer sales representatives, employees and customers live and work and that support quality-of-life initiatives to create an improved, sustainable lifestyle for people worldwide.

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Des Moines University (DMU) is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences, anatomy, health care administration and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.